no quick fix

This week saw me attempt to answer the question what I would have done about Hitler. The question came with the presumed answer that I would have done nothing. I think there is a false concept of pacifists as passive, as I already mentioned this week.
For me the answer is always about love and relationship building. About trying to find out more about what is going on for the other person. One difficulty is that this takes time. Five quick minutes is not going to do it - though is still better than nothing, its amazing what you can find out even in 5 minutes.
Bombing is a quick in and out event. I'm sure there is much work that goes into building the bomb and training the bomber, this is why it is so expensive. Tho of course I'm glad it's expensive, if it was cheap it would happen even more often. Relationship building is not a speedy response.
Another difficulty is that because it is a sustained experience, it requires patience and tenacity. Not giving up when we get hurt or rejected. An awareness of all that is going on for us so we can stay focussed on the task in hand rather than derailed by our own doubts. Just as much training as a bomber.
It can be easy to lose heart. The results are no way as dramatic or tangible as the measurable carnage left by a bomb. Sometimes we can wonder if we made a difference at all, or actually made things worse.
Time for a sing.

Singing was fab. And I've even enjoyed making a pudding for tonight.  My parents are in an area declared dangerous but they are fine,  can't get to their nearest town, but have enough provisions to last at least month :-)